Massage As A Back - Pain Killer

A regular massage is often considered to be a treat, rather than a necessity. Most people believe that having a massage is good for aches and pains, or can help if they’ve overdone the exercise. Not everybody realizes that massage therapy is also a powerful painkiller that can even be used to help people with back problems to reduce the amount of medication they must take.
Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on back pain and if you’re one of the 31 million Americans who suffers with back pain at some point in their life, you’ll know how miserable it can be. If you are dealing with chronic back pain – which is pain that’s lasted more than three months  it can impact on your daily life, and stop you doing things you want to do. You could be reliant on drugs to keep you mobile or help you sleep.

The vicious pain cycle
If you can no longer exercise pain-free, you might end up in a vicious cycle of inactivity which makes your pain worse, which stops you being active. Or you could just increase your meds but that just masks the problem. Also, some strong pain meds contain painkillers opioids like codeine which can lose their power over time as you build up a tolerance to their effects. They can also have unwanted side effects.
What you need is a way to manage your back pain that is effective but doesn’t have the side effects. Wouldn’t you know it, research has shown that regular massage along with your prescribed medication and any other advice from your healthcare supplier can be so powerful that you might be able to decrease the number of painkillers you need to manage your back pain and start to live a more active life.

How massage can help beat back pain
A massage session doesn’t just relax you, it can help to promote tissue repair, improve the blood circulation and does wonders for your stress levels and mood. Recent research showed that regular massage therapy combined with exercise helped people suffering from chronic back pain to feel less anxious about their condition too. The study, which took place at a pain management clinic in Western New York, involved sixty chronic low back pain patients who were split into two groups. One group received regular massage therapy, twice a week for four weeks, along with their regular treatment, and one group only carried on with their prescribed treatments.
The participants all recorded their own pain levels before and after having massage therapy on a scale of one to ten. There was a significant difference between the pre-and post-treatment pain rating in the group that had regular massage, but the control group who carried on as normal reported no changes to their pain levels.
If you suffer with back pain and want to try something different – book that massage session now.

Types Of Massage

Depending on your goals and situation, your massage therapist may recommend one specific type of massage or a blend of several. These include:

• Swedish or Relaxation Massage -- the most common in America with gentle, light to medium pressure
• Deep Tissue Massage -- deeper pressure across the grain of your muscles
• Hot Stone  -- which uses smooth, heated stones to increase circulation and relax muscles

Each type of massage has its own benefits, so be sure to discuss your back pain with your therapist. You may decide on one particular massage style and repeat it with every visit, or you may decide to combine various styles at different times. Either way, you'll discover how back massage can make you feel more relaxed and relieved of pain, stress and tension.

Tips:

For a professional massage, seek a licensed massage therapist. The American Massage Therapy Association recommends you ask your massage therapist about their credentials to practice massage therapy. Talk to your massage therapist about why you are seeking massage therapy -- this will help your therapist choose the best style and approach to your massage.

Roy is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist and has worked in high end spa’s as well as rehabilitation centers. He is well known for his Relaxing Massage as well as his skill in Medical Massage and Sports Massage. Contact Roy at 631-375-0962 or email at info@wavecrestmassage.com to schedule your next appointment. 

February Is American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month. A multitude of research shows a correlation between massage therapy and improved cardiovascular health.

Massage Therapy Can Help Lower Blood Pressure Temporarily & Control Stress

In a study in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine, researchers concluded massage therapy could serve as an effective intervention in controlling blood pressure in pre-hypertensive women. The study showed that the immediate results of lowered blood pressure lasted up to 72 hours after massage. Full study »
A separate study in the same publication had similar findings; those that received regular Swedish massage therapy over a period of four weeks had significantly lower blood pressure than those who did not have a massage. Full study »

Massage Therapy for Reduced Pain, Anxiety and Muscular Tension in Cardiac Surgery Patients

Research published in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery indicates that massage therapy can significantly reduce pain, anxiety and muscular tension, as well as enhance relaxation and satisfaction after cardiac surgery. Full study »

http://www.wavecrestmassage.com/

Tips

For a professional massage, seek out a certified or licensed massage therapist. The American Massage Therapy Association recommends you ask your massage therapist about their credentials to practice massage therapy. Talk to your massage therapist about why you are seeking massage therapy -- this will help your therapist choose the best style and approach to your massage. Use massage therapy for relaxation, not as an alternative to medical treatment.

Roy is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist and has worked in high end spa’s as well as rehabilitation centers. He is well known for his Relaxing Massage as well as his skill in Medical Massage and Sports Massage. Contact Roy at 631-375-0962 or email at info@wavecrestmassage.com to schedule your next appointment. 

Which is better massage or stretching? 

Massage and stretching are both really helpful ways to keep your muscles relaxed, reduce tension and of course help recovery after an injury.  Stretching helps to get the blood flowing to your muscles, which is great if you’ve injured yourself, or if your muscled are stiff because they’ve contracted due to inactivity.

Giving your muscles a really good stretch can stop your muscles from going into painful spasms or cramps, and stop the knots forming in them that take so much work to get rid of when you have a massage!

Regular massage on the other hand improves your flexibility and range of motion, keeping your joints more fluid and making them less injury prone in the first place. 

What are the differences between massage and stretches - and how do they work together to promote muscle and joint health?

Massage 

What is a massage? Well, stripped right down, massage is simply a word that’s used to describe the manipulation of muscles, ligaments and connective tissue. Of course there are lots of different types of massage, and techniques that are suitable for different things, but when you go for a massage, this is what your therapist will be doing.

What’s massage good for?

We love a massage for general wellbeing, but medically massage is recognized for more than just making you feel good.

Massage can:

 Help strained muscles to heal faster
 Reduce swelling and scar tissue if you’re injured
 Relieve stiffness and tension in your muscles
 Reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and fatigue

Stretching

Stretching does have a lot of similarities to massage, but its main benefit is to relieve the tightness and tension that’s built up in your muscles when you’ve used (and over-used) them.   Having a really good, effective stretch can increase the blood flow to your muscles, and this leads to a better range of motion that helps your joints to stay in alignment
 
What’s stretching good for?

Stretching properly can;

 Improve your circulation
 Boost your nerve health
     Make movement easier
     Improve flexibility

How can massage and a stretching routine work together?

Daily stretching – to a point where you can just feel it pulling on your muscles – can really help to increase your flexibility, and you can feel the effects in a matter of a few weeks.

Enjoying a regular massage helps to keep your body relaxed and flexible. Massage can release trigger points and muscles in spasm, making your stretching routine even more effective. 

You could even opt for a Thai massage which uses stretches and massage all in one session to give your muscles and tendons a really thorough workout. You can also ask your massage therapist for advice if you have any injuries or are experiencing stiffness in your muscles.

http://www.wavecrestmassage.com/

Tips

For a professional massage, seek out a certified or licensed massage therapist. The American Massage Therapy Association recommends you ask your massage therapist about their credentials to practice massage therapy. Talk to your massage therapist about why you are seeking massage therapy -- this will help your therapist choose the best style and approach to your massage. Use massage therapy for relaxation, not as an alternative to medical treatment.

Roy is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist and has worked in high end spa’s as well as rehabilitation centers. He is well known for his Relaxing Massage as well as his skill in Medical Massage and Sports Massage. Contact Roy at 631-375-0962 or email at roy@wavecrestmassage.com to schedule your next appointment. 

15 Unique Ways to Use Essential Oils with a Shot Glass

1. Try an allergy “shot” with a couple drops each of lavender, lemon, and peppermint diluted in water.
2. Mix up your own mouthwash by adding 1 drop of peppermint, melaleuca, lemon, orange, cinnamon bark, or an antibacterial blend to water. Gargle, and spit.
3. When you feel like you are getting sick or getting a sore throat, try taking a “shot” with a drop of oregano diluted in water. Gargle, and swallow.
4. Fill the shot glass with your daily vitamins and supplements the night before so you will remember them in the morning.
5. If you have a cough, try adding a drop each of lemon, orange, frankincense, and peppermint to a little bit of honey. Mix with a spoon, and eat.
6. Try a detox “shot” by adding a drop of lemon to a little water.
7. Don’t like taking your omega 3 fish oil? Make it a game with another family member, and see who can down their small glass of fish oil the fastest!
8. Make your own massage blend by putting your carrier oil in the shot glass; then drop essential oils in, and mix. Pour a little bit at a time on area to massage.
9. Clean your toothbrush at night by setting the brush in a solution of hydrogen peroxide and a drop of lemon oil or an antibacterial blend in the shot glass.
10. Want to add oils to your bath? Fill a shot glass with Epsom salt and drop a few drops of your desired oil(s) in. Try a relaxing bath by adding lavender or an energizing bath by adding citrus oils. After you have your Epsom salt and oil mixture, place the shot glass under the bathtub faucet, and let the running water mix it into the filling bathtub.
11. Make a mini reed diffuser by filling a shot glass 3/4 of the way full with jojoba oil and 5-10 drops of essential oil. Place rattan reeds (cut to 4–5″ tall) in the oil mixture. After a few hours, the reeds will suck up the oil and disperse the scent into the air.
12. Mix up your own furniture polish by putting a little olive oil in the shot glass and adding a few drops of lemon essential oil. Dip a rag in the mixture, and polish away!
13. Have you heard of oil pulling? These shot glasses are the perfect size for mixing a little coconut oil and essential oils to swish in your mouth! Just swish for 15–20 minutes, and then spit into the garbage.
14. Have an upset stomach, heartburn, or motion sickness? Try taking a “shot” of water with a drop of ginger, peppermint, or a digestive blend.
15. Kids love these glasses because they are miniature and fun! If your child won’t take a capsule with essential oils, just add a drop of oil to water in the shot glass, and make it a game to drink it fast.
    

Do you have other ideas for how to use a shot glass with essential oils? If so, please comment below!















In honor of Massage Awareness Month, reference this page to receive $20 off your massage session of one hour or longer for the entire month of October. *Not to be combined with any other promotion.


Comment here & like us on Facebook to be entered into a drawing for an additional 30min to be added onto your next one hour massage. Winner will be notified via email at 1pm October 25th.
 

Tips

For a professional massage, seek out a certified or licensed massage therapist. The American Massage Therapy Association recommends you ask your massage therapist about their credentials to practice massage therapy. Talk to your massage therapist about why you are seeking massage therapy -- this will help your therapist choose the best style and approach to your massage. Use massage therapy for relaxation, not as an alternative to medical treatment.

Roy is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist and has worked in high end spa’s as well as rehabilitation centers. He is well known for his Relaxing Massage as well as his skill in Medical Massage and Sports Massage. Contact Roy at 631-375-0962 or email at roy@wavecrestmassage.com to schedule your next appointment. 

https://www.wavecrestmassage.com

October Is Massage Therapy Month

October has been designated Massage Therapy Month raising awareness about this non-invasive therapeutic touch that benefits mind, body and spirit. The physical benefits are obvious and becoming increasingly understood by the general population including the medical profession.

As professional body workers we often see how people suffer from muscles aches and pains, injuries but also stressful working environments, lifestyles and trauma.  It may be said that massage does not cure or completely heal all that ails us but it is a real significant step towards feeling better in our bodies and reconnecting with a feeling of wholeness.  It is often the first step towards reaching out for help in a nurturing and safe environment.

Receiving a massage is the most loving act of self-care.  When we book an appointment, we declare that our time and focus for a full hour or ninety minutes will be targeted to our wellness and commitment to  well-being.  We may not have control over many aspects of our lives but we can set aside this time we entrust our care to a kind and skillful Massage Therapist.

While Massage Therapists are considered Body workers,  don’t be surprised if your favorite Massage Therapist has a keen understanding of energy work and healing.   Don’t be shy to ask if they do any form of energy work like Reiki or chakra harmonization to be added to your massage.

There are so many techniques to choose from such as Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, Acupressure, Chair Massage, Cranio Sacral Therapy, Bowen, Polarity, Myofascial Release, Kinesiotherapy, Shiatsu, Traeger, Lomi Lomi, Tuina, Reflexology, and many more.  There are many amazing Massage Therapists out there who do wonderful work.   Find one that resonates with you by trying out various techniques until you find the one that suits you.

In honor of Massage Awareness Month, reference this page to receive $20 off your massage session of one hour or longer for the entire month of October. *Not to be combined with any other promotion.


Comment here & like us on Facebook to be entered into a drawing for an additional 30min to be added onto your next one hour massage. Winner will be notified via email at 1pm October 25th.




 

Tips

For a professional massage, seek out a certified or licensed massage therapist. The American Massage Therapy Association recommends you ask your massage therapist about their credentials to practice massage therapy. Talk to your massage therapist about why you are seeking massage therapy -- this will help your therapist choose the best style and approach to your massage. Use massage therapy for relaxation, not as an alternative to medical treatment.

Roy is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist and has worked in high end spa’s as well as rehabilitation centers. He is well known for his Relaxing Massage as well as his skill in Medical Massage and Sports Massage. Contact Roy at 631-375-0962 or email at roy@wavecrestmassage.com to schedule your next appointment. 

https://www.wavecrestmassage.com

Massage Therapy For Adrenal Exhaustion

A very quick overview

Situated right above the kidneys, the adrenals are endocrine glands, responsible for releasing a variety of hormones that help the body to deal with and recover from stress. Some of these hormones include cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine. When a person experiences a stressful event the adrenal glands release these hormones to help us deal with the situation at hand.

Symptoms of stress or
adrenal exhaustion include fatigue, recurrent infections, inability to deal with stress, changes in blood pressure and achiness. Though the exact mechanism of action remains scientifically unconfirmed, massage therapy provides relaxation in complement with conventional medical treatment.

Lowers Stress Hormones

Daily life happens in a series of mini-stress situations: out of milk, red lights, fussy children, competition at work, angry customers, crabby spouse. The adrenal glands release cortisol to deal with these issues and emergency situations with the fight-or-flight response.
 

 

 

Massage

Massage, for obvious reasons can be very useful in helping to reduce stress levels. I think that it's worth pointing out that certain types of massage can actually be quite stimulating, so it would be important to tell your therapist that you are dealing with Adrenal Fatigue and that you need to relax! Excessively deep pressure combined with fast movements can result in you feeling like you've run a marathon by the time you get off the table. It is my opinion that the most effective way to assist in the resolution of adrenal fatigue with massage is through a series of slow, methodical, and gentle treatments.

Improves Mood

In an overview of massage therapy from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, research indicates a single massage reduces temporary anxiety that results from a stressful situation. Multiple massage treatments reduce general feelings of anxiety and depression.  

Supports Immune Function

One symptom of adrenal exhaustion is frequent sore throats and infections. A research review published in the Townsend Letter notes the positive effects of massage on immune function. Massage increases white blood cells and natural killer cells in healthy individuals following a Swedish massage. There is an observed increase in natural killer cell activity and T-cells in HIV positive patients receiving daily massage. In addition, a reduced loss of lymphocytes in HIV positive is noted in children receiving massage therapy twice per week.

 

Tips

For a professional massage, seek out a certified or licensed massage therapist. The American Massage Therapy Association recommends you ask your massage therapist about their credentials to practice massage therapy. Talk to your massage therapist about why you are seeking massage therapy -- this will help your therapist choose the best style and approach to your massage. Use massage therapy for relaxation, not as an alternative to medical treatment.

Roy is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist and has worked in high end spa’s as well as rehabilitation centers. He is well known for his Relaxing Massage as well as his skill in Medical Massage and Sports Massage. Contact Roy at 631-375-0962 or email at roy@wavecrestmassage.com to schedule your next appointment. 

https://www.wavecrestmassage.com

What’s the Difference Between a Swedish Massage and a Deep Tissue Massage?

  Two popular massage techniques, Swedish massage and deep tissue massage have different purposes and results. It’s worth knowing the difference so you can get the most relief for your particular issues. Here is a little background information on these two massage techniques.

 

Swedish Massage is Perfect for Relaxation

 



 

 

Developed in the early 1800s by Per Henrik Ling and others, Swedish massage may be the most commonly used massage technique. Swedish massage promotes relaxation with light to vigorous strokes, including: 

 

1.Effleurage (sliding)

 

2.Petrissage (kneading)

 

3.Tapotement (rhythmic tapping)

 

4.Friction

 

5.Vibration or shaking

Swedish massage increases blood circulation and moves metabolic waste out of the body .It boosts the nervous system, which helps relieve pain and reduce tension. Clinical studies show that Swedish massage reduces lower back pain, arthritis, and joint stiffness. It lowers levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.

For relaxation and stress relief, Swedish massage is the technique to choose.

 

More Than Just Athletes Choose Deep Tissue Massage

 

As the name implies, Deep Tissue Massage uses deep pressure to reach areas of tension and pain within the muscles. With an injury or chronic tension, adhesions develop in muscles, tendons and ligaments. Adhesions block circulation, limit movement, and cause pain and inflammation.

Deep tissue massage uses direct deep pressure to break down adhesions in the back, neck, arms, and legs. The massage therapist uses massage oil and intense pressure to reach and unknot inner layers of muscle. It isn’t painful, since an experienced massage therapist is attentive to a client’s tolerance.

Deep tissue massage is often used to relieve chronic pain, such as back pain, tension headaches, or carpal tunnel syndrome. Athletes who maintain an intense training program use deep tissue massage to ease the effects of demanding workouts. It can be helpful to reduce fluid retention, too.

Areas of stiffness also benefit from deep tissue massage, and it’s used to relieve stiff neck and upper back, sore shoulders, and tight leg muscles. Deep tissue massage is most often used in cases of injury or chronic tension.

 

Both Forms of Massage Have Many Benefits

Whether you choose Swedish massage or deep tissue massage, your massage will help flush toxins out of your body. To assist that process, drink fluids, especially water.

Both deep tissue massage and Swedish massage can leave you with sore muscles temporarily. But this will pass quickly and leave you feeling better.

For a massage that’s customized to your individual needs, call Wave Crest Massage at (631) 375-0962  or sign up online. We look forward to helping you find the perfect massage for your needs.

Tip:

Before you book your appointment, make sure your massage therapist is certified or licensed in your state and associated with the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) or the American Massage Therapists Association (AMTA). 

Remember, only receive massage therapy when you are well. 

If you don't feel well, reschedule your massage and consult a doctor. 

 

Roy is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist and has worked in high end spa’s as well as rehabilitation centers. He is well known for his Relaxing Massage as well as his skill in Medical Massage and Sports Massage.Contact Roy at 631-375-0962 or email at roy@wavecrestmassage.com to schedule your next appointment.  https://www.wavecrestmassage.com